You will also support mission protection activities by ensuring systems accurately process resident space object (RSO) catalogs, ephemeris data, and trajectory inputs to identify collision risks and support decision-making for space operations stakeholders. A strong understanding of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics tools will be used to design effective test cases and validate system outputs.
Additionally, you will contribute to improving testing methodologies, system workflows, and operational procedures (TTPs) by identifying software issues, validating fixes in controlled environments, and supporting updates to training materials based on system changes and test outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Support integration and verification testing of new data sources and software capabilities within legacy and next-generation FS systems
Design, execute, and document software test plans, regression tests, and operational validation scenarios in test and pre-production environments
Use Bash and Python scripts to support automated testing, data validation, troubleshooting, and system analysis in Linux-based classified environments
Validate system performance by executing conjunction assessment and screening workflows, including RSO-to-RSO and RSO-to-ground proximity analysis (e.g., ASW “SuperCombo”-type runs)
Perform pre- and post-launch validation of TLEs, state vectors, and maneuver ephemeris data against cataloged RSOs to ensure collision risk mitigation logic is functioning correctly
Operate and validate orbit propagation and analysis tools (e.g., STK or ASW-type systems), ensuring correct input handling, output accuracy, and reporting consistency
Support defect identification, root cause analysis, and issue tracking for software anomalies discovered during test and operational use
Participate in test readiness reviews, flight safety meetings, and operational training/exercise events
Develop and maintain test documentation, validation reports, and user/training materials, and provide hands-on instruction (OJT) to team members
Collaborate with engineers, operators, and external stakeholders to ensure system changes meet operational requirements and safety thresholds
This position is contingent upon award of contract***
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements
Minimum of 12 years w/o a degree or 10 years with AS/AA or 8 years with BS/BA; or 6 years with MS/MA; or 4 years with Ph.D
Active TS/SCI with adjudicated polygraph
Preferred Qualifications
1+ years of experience with Flight Safety or astrodynamics test tools (e.g., STK, ASW SuperCombo), or STK Level 2 certification
2+ years of combined experience in space operations, conjunction assessment, or flight safety systems testing
Understanding of orbital mechanics, conjunction analysis methods, and space domain awareness concepts
Experience validating or testing systems involving RSO catalogs, ephemeris data, and orbital propagation models
Ability to write and interpret Bash and Python scripts for test automation and data analysis
Familiarity with national security space mission environments (e.g., NRO-related systems and workflows)
Worklocation: Fort Belvoir
Target Salary Range $104,000 - $166,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual’s experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.
Benefits Statement
Peraton offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, health savings account, short/long term disability, EAP, parental leave, 401(k), paid time off (PTO) for vacation, and company paid holidays. A full listing of available benefits can be viewed at https://www.careers.peraton.com/benefits.
Application Statements The application period for the job is estimated to be 30 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in the role and the Company. During the review of your application, you may be required to participate in an on-camera interview, as well as participate in a process to verify your identity. Use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools of any kind during Peraton interviews is strictly prohibited unless the candidate has obtained prior written authorization. All interview responses must be the candidate’s own.
- EEO
- EEO: Equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.
